Is There a Difference Between Brown and White Eggs?
Surprise, one type is significantly cheaper.
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There are a lot of egg carton labels to decode; however, there’s one difference — and it’s perhaps the most visible — that’s super-easy to understand: the difference between white and brown eggs. Read on for what you need to know, plus how to use your knowledge to save a few cents.
Brown vs. White Eggs: What’s the Difference?
Despite the visual difference between brown eggshells and white eggshells, brown eggs and white eggs are identical nutritionally and culinarily. The breed of the chicken determines the egg color; typically, brown eggs are laid by brown chickens, and white eggs are laid by white chickens.
We might sometimes associate darker color with less processing or better nutritional benefits (think white flour versus whole wheat flour), but when it comes to eggs, the difference in color really is just shell deep — inside these eggs are identical. And if you need proof, crack open a brown one and look at the interior shell color: it’ll be white. All eggs start out white, and a thin layer of brown is secreted on the outside of the egg just before it’s laid if the hen is brown. No part of the color effects the yolk and white inside.
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The two breeds of hen commonly used for large-scale commercial egg production are White Leghorns for white eggs and Rhode Island Red and various offshoot breeds for brown eggs. You may also see eggs in shades of blue, green and gray, particularly if you shop at farmers’ markets. These come from other breeds known for these more unusual colors and typically smaller producers; these too have no significance difference in nutritional value.
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Are Brown Eggs Healthier than White Eggs?
Brown eggs and white eggs are nutritionally identical; their differences are purely visual. And additionally, there is also no significant environmental or sustainability difference between the two based solely on color. Crack a brown egg open, and you'll see that the interior shell is white; the color is contained only in a thin layer on the outside and doesn't affect what's inside. If you’re looking for a more nutritious egg you should seek out those from hens raised specifically to produce enhanced eggs. Eggs labeled “Omega-3” come from hens fed a diet high in flaxseed and hence have a higher omega-3 fatty acid content themselves. Or seek out free-range eggs which, due to the hens’ more varied diet, may contain more nutrients like beta carotene than cage-raised eggs.
Why Do Brown Eggs Cost More than White?
The easiest answer is that the chickens that produce brown eggs eat more, and since it costs slightly more to maintain them, farmers charge a bit more for their eggs. Most industry experts also believe that consumers’ preference for brown eggs means that they can be priced slightly higher. Looking to shave a bit off your grocery bill? Remember that the two types of eggs are identical and you might be able to save yourself a few cents per egg by opting for white.
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